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Author
Topic: 60 Minutes Report on AIDS in Africa (Read 1600 times)

I was watching "60 Minutes" tonight and saw this story about HIV/AIDS. I think it may be a rebroadcast.

I felt hopeful, but also discouraged at the same time. Africans are getting less fearful of HIV due to meds and rates are on the rise. 1 Million more people will become infected each year and America cannot afford to pay for all the meds, according to the report. It was sad to watch some of the people profiled told their tests came back positive.

In my opinion, the greatest victory for PepFar was providing Meds to pregnant women in these countries which in turn prevented the infection of hundreds of thousands of children. However without proper education it may be only a matter of time before these children become infected as they enter adulthood.

I think the answer lies in educating the people in these countries about the use of condoms, however this is extrememly difficult in countries with deep seated mores about sex and the use of protection.

Easier said than done. We cannot even get our own populace to stop the spread of HIv by using safe sex practices.

I'm not sure what the "silver bullet" answer is. Obviously the number of those on meds in these countries is increasing by the day at the majority expense of the US taxpayers. Of course, in my opinion, this is one of the more worthy programs our tax dollars are being funneled to, however as Pepfar transistions from an emergency response to a more sustainable ongoing program more and more worldwide organizations and countries will be expected to get involved and share the expense. This is at least is the plan, however reality dictates that the majority of the international community views the African HIV problem as low priority, especially with the current worldwide financial constraints.

Pepfar saved millions of lives and is louded as the largest effort in history by any nation to combat a disease. However there remains much work to be done, short of a cure, it will not be easy.

It was sad to hear the health administrator say a few years ago she only had meds for 30 people. All the rest died. It was also sad to see the 35 year-old who they said will probably die, because it was too late. He was sick, but I don't think it was too late for him.

Not to get too political, but I was reminded today that we are still spending $12 Billion a WEEK in Iraq and Afghanistan. That $12 Billion per week could pay for everyone HIV infected and other diseases as well.